Law enforcement to lattes: the story of Edinburgh’s police boxes

Almost a century ago, a network of blue structures was installed across Edinburgh. Containing a phone, first-aid supplies and stationery, the police boxes were used for communication, decentralisation and efficiency in Edinburgh’s police force, pre-pocket radio. Today, locals and tourists frequent them for a coffee and cake on their way from A to B – like a drive-through on foot.

Designed by city architect Ebenezer James MacRae and made of cast iron, the hut-like builds were fitted with plumbing, electric lighting and heating. Mainly used by officers on duty, the phone was also accessible to the public in case of emergency. Newspaper clippings from the 1930s suggest the Edinburgh Corporation ordered around 140 of the structures to be produced. 

In 2012, several were auctioned off to the public. Buyers technically owned only the structure and needed council planning permission for it to remain in its place.

A number of these compact spaces, around six feet by four feet, have since been repurposed into thriving food-and-drink hotspots.  Photogenic, with some painted in colours like turquoise, sky blue or fire-engine red, the police boxes add a splash of colour to the city’s historic backdrop. 

While the mini cafes offer little to no seating, they attract a range of people – from the ultra-busy weekday commuter crowd to leisurely weekend wanderers. Given Edinburgh’s climate, it may surprise visitors that venues so exposed to the elements are popular, and able to operate through its chilly winters.

Those more familiar with the city understand how these businesses can thrive: the capital’s metropolitan culture and walkability, combined with a population that’s keen to make the most of any good weather, generates demand. 

For some customers, the appeal lies in supporting independent local businesses, with repurposed police-box cafes such as Sam's Coffee Box offering an alternative to larger coffee-shop chains.

This small business serves coffee and snacks in an area that features some of the biggest coffee chains, such as Pret-a-Manger and Starbucks. Situated on the edge of Bruntsfield Links, the crimson police-box-turned cafe boasts some of the most competitively priced coffee in town.

Founder Sam rents the police box from its owner. Overheads are kept low with minimal utilities and no staff wages, as he works alone. However, keeping coffee prices low is more of a personal choice: “As long as I get what I need to from the business, I don't see the need to squeeze every penny I can out of it. I'd rather keep it reasonable for everyone,” he explains. 

Sam believes affordability, as well as nice coffee, are the main attractions, but acknowledges other factors, like a friendly and welcoming service and customers’ daily routines. He says: “I've seen many of the same people virtually every day for the last seven years.”  As for the police box itself, he acknowledges that the 'cute factor' plays a part, particularly for tourists but does not believe that it's the main appeal. 

He does, however, highlight speed and convenience as a point of difference: “The police boxes offer an immediacy that cafes can’t always provide. It's quick and easy to get your coffee and you don't have to work to get someone's attention. They're also great for certain demographics, such as dog walkers, parents with unwieldy prams, drivers and cyclists.”

The pandemic added to their popularity. Sam says: “Police boxes really came into their own during the Covid/lockdown era when nobody could sit in”. And location is key: “The ones in good locations work very well,” he observes. 

Beyond Bruntsfield, other businesses are taking advantage of these small, heritage structures. Haymarket newcomer Pourboy keeps customers up to date on its ever-changing selection of sandwiches, soups and snacks via social media. Tupiniquim on Lauriston Place has become a draw over the years for its offering of gluten-free Brazilian crepes.

The Leith Walk police box has found a new lease of life as a pop-up venue, hosting everything from Fringe events, candle sales and cupcake bakers. There’s also The Breakfast Bothy, near the Meadows’ Jawbone Walk. It’s both a cafe and a charity, providing free breakfast, hot drinks and a welcoming space for those in need.

Once used for public service, Edinburgh’s police boxes now serve the public in a different way. They preserve history, enrich the city’s unique streetscape and create affordable, accessible spaces where entrepreneurs and customers are fostering their own micro-communities.